Produced by Steve Darmody and Lari GossThis new CD is 'old school Darmody' with big songs both familiar and new. With awesome inspirational lyrics, huge orchestrations and powerful interpretations. These eleven songs are all message centered and ministry focused.
The familiar song titles are taken from Steve's journey thus far in life - from his first solo at age 14, to his high school graduation performance. Songs include his winning song at the national vocal competitions in Estes Park, Colorado in 1988 and two songs from one of his favorite composers, Babbie Mason. One is a duet with Rudy Micelli - a favorite song in the MS Christmas Tours.
Steve is working with his long time friend, Lari Goss, who is the producer and arranger for this project. Steve and Lari have collaborated on three CDs that span three decades (Friends-1981, Hymns-1995 and now, 2007).
This is Steve's most ambitious project to date with full orchestrations on all 11 songs employing the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Look for male chorus backgrounds, thrilling french horn and much, much more!
CD Booklet Liner Notes
At 14 years of age I had no idea that I would be a singer. I remember being moved by the powerful voice of actor Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) singing The Impossible Dream but I knew I would never have the courage to sing like that. In fact, I had made it clear to my choir director at Jefferson Academy, Bill "Sid" Mills, that I would never sing a solo. Just the same, he arranged for me to sing during a week of prayer without my knowledge. Terrified, I was barely able to walk to the front! The first notes of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" were nearly inaudible, but then everything changed. It was a classic eureka experience. From that moment on I knew singing would be a major part of my life.
That year my friend, Terri Banninger, sang "How Rich I Am", and I witnessed what it was like for someone to share the heart and emotion of a song. I knew then that I wanted to be more than just a vocalist, but one who could interpret the message of a song and deliver it passionately.
At my high school graduation from Chisholm Trail Academy I sang "My Tribute". Later, during the early years of my pastoral ministry, my wife, Joni, and I would take a guitar on hospital visits and sing "His Name is Wonderful". At the Christian Artists' Music Seminar in the Rockies (1988), I sang "You Are There" in the vocal competition and went on to win first place.
So, you see, the songs on this CD are a look back at my journey of singing. But the journey is not all about singing. It's about the song - the message. I've sung for crusades and convocations, broadcasts and benefits, students and soldiers. But apart from the message of God's Grace, it means nothing. I've been asked, "What is your ministry, Steve?" My answer is, "It's the same ministry that led me to be a pastor for twelve years. It is sharing the Good News and the positive encouragement of the Gospel."
I love hitting the right notes, but I'm far more interested in sharing the right message - that you can do the impossible, that nothing can separate you from the love of God, and that through Christ you are free! I want to live my life, following the example of Christ in meeting the needs of the lost and the hurting.
In the time that remains, will you join me in lifting up the Cross of Christ?
